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The debate over what to do with Florida’s 1000 internet cafes rages on tonight. Earlier today the House voted to ban the small businesses. The Senate wants to regulate them. As Whitney Ray tells us, confusion over where the business can operate and who has the authority to shut them down will continue unless lawmakers take action.

Heated debate on the House floor Thursday as state lawmakers push to outlaw internet cafes across the board.

“These are truly the crack cocaine of gambling,” said bill sponsor Scott Plakon.

The bill passed the House 72 – 43 vote. Just minutes after the vote, we spoke to two internet café employees, fearing for their jobs.

“Perhaps I would go out and look for another one, but in today’s economy, it could be a little difficult,” said Barbara Harrison, a clerk at an internet café in Tallahassee.

“I’m currently saving right now. I’m a recent graduate from FAMU. I’m saving for grad school,” said Makasa Covin.

The women don’t see what all the fuss is about. They brushed off claims by House Republicans that the cafes prey on poor people.

“I think they’ve got the wrong perspective. The people come in here they enjoy it, they have a good time,” said Barbara.

The Coalition of Florida’s Internet Cafés says the businesses employee 13-thousand people statewide and shutting them down would mean job loss and heart break.”

While the House says shut them down, the Senate wants to keep and regulate them. As it stands now, where the businesses can operate is a little confusing. In Hillsborough County they’re illegal, but this business man if opening new internet cafés in Tampa,

“We made sure to contact proper authorities before, during and after,” said Richard Ratcliff.

If either the house or senate plan makes it through the process then Florida’s will have a united stance on internet cafes. But if the two chambers can’t reach an agreement before next Friday, the state will still have no power over the businesses.
The Senate isn’t likely to take up the House bill, but anything is possible in the last week of session.